DPFE Sensor
Code P0401
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Code P0401
Need some help. Just bought a 1999 3.0 Extended Cab and getting terrible gas mileage ( 10 mpg). Check engine light came on and took it by Advanced Auto. Got Code DTC P0401. Recommended cleaning EGR. Any sugestions and could this make gas mileage so bad. Truck runs great, does not run hot, etc.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Welcome to FTE!
If cleaning the EGR valve and orafice(s) doesn't do the trick, then you're looking at a bad DPFE sensor. Common code and common cause.
Ford DPFE/EGR System Summary
If cleaning the EGR valve and orafice(s) doesn't do the trick, then you're looking at a bad DPFE sensor. Common code and common cause.
Ford DPFE/EGR System Summary
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
i've got the same problem, except my gas mileage is better than it was before. i went thru the same troubleshooting plan--ie, go to auto zone and have them pull the code. the way it was explained to me is that i can drive continuously like this, unless i end up moving to a state where i need to pass the emissions test and then i should get it fixed? what's your opinion on this?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by staggerlee
i've got the same problem, except my gas mileage is better than it was before. i went thru the same troubleshooting plan--ie, go to auto zone and have them pull the code. the way it was explained to me is that i can drive continuously like this, unless i end up moving to a state where i need to pass the emissions test and then i should get it fixed? what's your opinion on this?
A malfunctioning EGR system can cause driveability concerns, but if you're not experiencing any issues and are getting better gas mileage and don't mind staring at a CEL, then I suppose you can let it go until there are issues. Keep in mind that the EGR lowers combustion chamber temps so the engine will have hotter burning cylinders, and hence be more be prone to pinging. And it'll be putting higher amounts of NOx into the atomosphere which can't be considered a good thing. Also, another drawback to running with the CEL on is that you'll never be sure if it's just the P0401 code causing it or whether other codes are present.
If it were mine, I'd fix it. If the problem is a DPFE sensor, theyare pretty cheap at Napa or another parts store. And if you're in real dire straits financially, then you could even grab a used one from a junkyard.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
yeah... i checked and everything is connected properly... it's not running rough or surging... is a dpfe sensor fairly easy to replace? (i'm in the army and fairly broke, although i probably have the money to get it fixed.) if it's fairly simple (ie, i can do it in the barracks parking lot), i'd rather do it myself.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by staggerlee
is a dpfe sensor fairly easy to replace? (i'm in the army and fairly broke, although i probably have the money to get it fixed.) if it's fairly simple (ie, i can do it in the barracks parking lot), i'd rather do it myself.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
CEL again?!
Check Engine Light is back on. Guess I'll be troubleshooting again this weekend. Engine runs fine, not sure what it is. Tried to take EGR valve off and clean, but couldn't break loose bottom connection. Has anyone had any luck cleaning EGR valve? Old DPFE sensor was clogged up, wonder if I need to take off new sensor and blow it out? Any suggestions?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by rangeron
Check Engine Light is back on. Guess I'll be troubleshooting again this weekend. Engine runs fine, not sure what it is. Tried to take EGR valve off and clean, but couldn't break loose bottom connection. Has anyone had any luck cleaning EGR valve? Old DPFE sensor was clogged up, wonder if I need to take off new sensor and blow it out? Any suggestions?
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
ah, but there's no number on the back. there's a sticker with what may be a parts number on top, and a long (possible parts?) number on the front... but none on the back. i can't even find the part on motorcraft.com. what's really going on here?